Paso Robles, CA—For a record fourth time since 2004, Firestone Walker Brewing Company and Brewmaster Matt Brynildson have been named Champion Brewery and Brewmaster in the category of Mid-Size Brewing Company at the 2012 World Beer Cup®, a prestigious global competition that this year included 799 breweries from 54 countries and 45 U.S. states.

The 2012 World Beer Cup® judging was held in San Diego on May 1 and May 2, and the medal winners were announced on May 5. The event is staged bi-annually by the Brewers Association.

A total of 3,921 beers were entered in the competition. The judging panel included 211 brewers and beer experts from 27 countries, with 67 percent of the judges coming from outside the United States. Judging is done “blind” so that judges do not know the identity of the beers or what breweries are entered into the competition. Approximately 67 percent of the entered beers were from the United States. Champion honors were ultimately awarded in five separate categories, and four of the winners are based in the United States.

“The results speak to the remarkable quality of the U.S. craft beer industry,” said co-proprietor David Walker. “We are proud to be a part of the American craft beer revolution.”

This honor marks Firestone Walker Brewing Company’s second back-to-back performance as Mid-Size Champion Brewery and Brewmaster at the World Beer Cup®. The brewery won the same honor at the preceding 2010 World Beer Cup®, as well as at the 2004 and 2006 World Beer Cup® events.

Firestone Walker’s award falls under the broad and highly competitive category of Mid-Size Brewing Company, which includes breweries that produce anywhere between 15,000 barrels and six million barrels annually.

“This is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our entire brewing team,” said Brynildson. “They all had a hand in this. I couldn’t be more proud.”

Also of note, Firestone Walker’s Pale 31 earned the gold medal in the American-Style Pale Ale category, the fourth time it has earned that award since 2004. Only one gold medal is awarded per category.

“We are honored to have our beers recognized by our peers in the international brewing community, in the company of the greatest beers from around the world,” said co-proprietor Adam Firestone.